Zhao Yanzhao - During Emperor Shang's Reign and Emperor Ruizong's Second Reign

During Emperor Shang's Reign and Emperor Ruizong's Second Reign

Later in 710, Emperor Zhongzong died suddenly -- a death that traditional historians believed to be a poisoning carried out by his powerful wife Empress Wei and Li Guo'er, so that Empress Wei could eventually be "emperor" like Wu Zetian and Li Guo'er could be crown princess. For the time being, Emperor Zhongzong's son by a concubine, Li Chongmao the Prince of Wen, was named emperor, but Empress Wei retained power as empress dowager and regent. Zhao Yanzhao continued to serve as chancellor. Less than a month later, a coup led by Emperor Zhongzong's sister Princess Taiping and nephew Li Longji the Prince of Linzi killed Empress Dowager Wei and Li Guo'er. Subsequently, Li Longji's father Li Dan the Prince of Xiang, a former emperor, returned to the throne (as Emperor Ruizong), displacing Emperor Shang.

Shortly after Emperor Ruizong took the throne, Zhao was demoted to be the prefect of Jiang Prefecture (絳州, part of modern Yuncheng, Shanxi), but was almost immediately recalled to again serve as Zhongshu Shilang and chancellor. Later that year, however, he was again demoted, this time to be the prefect of Song Prefecture (宋州, roughly modern Shangqiu, Henan). Later, for reasons unclear, he was further demoted to be the prefect of Gui Prefecture (歸州, roughly modern Yichang, Hubei). Later, he was promoted to be the commandant at Liang Prefecture (涼州, roughly modern Wuwei, Gansu). He was said to be stern at Liang Prefecture, instilling much fear in his subordinates. He was subsequently recalled to serve as the deputy minister of civil service affairs (吏部侍郎, Libu Shilang), and later the chief imperial censor (御史大夫, Yushi Daifu).